Search Trends During and After the Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic had a huge impact on almost every aspect of society, and search trends are no different. Typical search queries shifted during and after the pandemic compared to before, and the rise of online shopping during COVID significantly impacted Google search trends.
Some of the most searched words during lockdown likely could have been predicted, like "food storage," "medical supplies," and "masks." Other search terms that spiked during the pandemic were less predictable and reflected more on the social trends with everybody suddenly stuck indoors, words like "yeast" and "toilet paper."
The pandemic had an apparent effect on search trends, some of which have died down and others which have continued into post-pandemic life. Let's look at how search trends have changed throughout and after the global coronavirus pandemic.
Search Trends During the Pandemic
As the pandemic took over and lockdowns suddenly went into place around the globe, consumers found themselves in need of certain household items and sanitation equipment that previously hadn't seemed so pressing. Some of those items were for protection against the virus and preparation for being indoors for the foreseeable future. At the same time, other search trends came about as people looked for ways to keep busy and stay entertained in their newfound situation.
Certain items saw a spike in searches on Google during the pandemic, which then dropped off back to their standard levels once the global event began to die down. According to The New Normal, these items are categorized as "unusual," meaning that search interest increased during the pandemic but has since returned to normal. Among these items are:
- Basketball hoops
- Bleach
- Desktop computer
- Dish soap
- Exercise machine
- Generators
- Hair clippers
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Office chairs
- Paint
- Stuffed animals
- Tissue paper
These terms and more saw increased search volume during lockdowns and throughout the pandemic but have since returned to normal. As you can see, many of these search terms are a result of the pain points suddenly introduced by global lockdown: boredom, anxiety, a need for personal grooming, the sudden shift to working from home, loneliness, and more.
Search Trends After the Pandemic
Now that the most dramatic stages of the pandemic are behind us, we can see how the global event has impacted search trends in its aftermath. The New Normal classifies these items as "the new normal," signifying that searches for these particular terms increased during the pandemic and have remained high. Unlike the "unusual" section, these search trends have continued even after the pandemic. This includes searches like:
- Booster
- Cleaning supplies
- Computer monitors
- Freezers
- Kitchen appliances
- Liquor
- Nails
- Outdoor chairs
- Propane
- Vitamins
While some of these search terms, like "booster," are due to the aftermath of the pandemic that is still a reality, others have remained frequent because the pandemic highlighted a need or desire for specific items and experiences that were previously not considered. Lockdowns made people realize that they're capable of performing certain tasks themselves, which they used to outsource to professionals, and it highlighted the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
COVID's Impact on Search Trends
The coronavirus swiftly and suddenly had a huge impact on the world, and the effects of an impact so grand can still be felt now and into the future. It affected search trends as people kept up with the virus, researching covid statistics, sanitation methods, and vaccine developments. It also had an indirect impact on consumer search trends – as the needs and wants of people evolved with the pandemic, so too did product search trends.
Contact the team at WEB ROI for more insights into search trends and how your business can use them to your advantage. We're experts in digital marketing and analytics, and we can help optimize your company's online presence to yield the sort of ROI that you're looking for.
